It’s a …

It’s a boy. Are you one of those freaks who decided to wait to find out the gender of your child? Hoping for “one of the best and only surprises in life,” like my (otherwise sane) aunt? I definitely wanted to know if I was having a boy or girl so I could buy the right outfits, gender politics be damned. We didn’t decorate or paint his room, but I still opted for blue and white sheet sets and darker colors on blankets. I like that Winnie the Pooh items seem to be gender neutral. Bring it! Knowing the baby’s gender can make it easier for folks to buy presents, but it’s not critical. There are many toys, blankets and clothes suitable for both baby boys and girls.

Don’t look too closely …

My preggers friend, “E”, found out today she’s having a boy. Ooops! This highly charged info was slipped to them by a hospital tech who had been warned she and her husband were going to wait until the baby arrived in late June or early July. Other techs would dutifully warn them to look away from the ultrasound monitor when the baby’s gender might a-hem pop up, or not. Their baby’s identity was dramatically revealed when the guilty tech said, “Oh look! He’s flexing his muscles for you!” It was exciting, but somewhat of a letdown. So much for keeping this tempting boy/girl info in an envelope at home. At least “E” and co. have a sense of humor. They’re in for a lot of boy-riffic hand me downs from us, for sure.

I’m the type who can’t keep a secret, and will drop hints over birthday and holiday gifts. I don’t want to be surprised about anything, because I am often impatient and an admitted control freak. While I think it’s weird to wait to find out what you’re having, to each her and/or his own. It should be a decision that healthcare providers honor, fully. Any baby secrets slip for you? Do tell in the comments.

MARY LADD lives in San Francisco’s Mission District with her toddler son and husband,

Oscar Villalon. She obsesses over food, cooking and events for a living.